Eclipsed Souls: A Tale of Twin Flames

Days passed since their conversation about the café corner, but the tension lingered like a storm waiting to break. Saliza and Arnaz, while deeply connected, were drifting into different rhythms. Ever the restless Arnaz, Arnaz spent more time researching café trends, drawing up plans, and talking excitedly about the changes he envisioned. Meanwhile, Saliza became quieter, retreating into her familiar routine, uncertain of how to voice the unease that gnawed at her.

One afternoon, Saliza was deep in a book inventory when she heard the bell over the door chime. She looked up, expecting a customer, but it was Arnaz, his arms full of supplies .. coffee beans, small potted plants and menus he had printed off a design site.

“Hey! I picked up a few things,” Arnaz announced cheerfully as he sets the items down on a table. “Just to give you an idea of what the café could look like. I even found some plants that would add a nice touch near the reading nook.”

Saliza froze. She hadn’t agreed to this. They hadn’t even fully discussed the idea yet, and here he was, acting as if it was already happening.

“Arnaz… dear, what is all this?” she asked, her voice tight, though she tried to keep calm.

Arnaz, sensing the tension but brushing it aside, smiled. “Just a few things to get us started. Nothing’s permanent. I thought seeing it might help you feel more comfortable with the idea.”

Saliza stood up from behind the counter, her brow furrowing. “We talked about this, Arnaz. I told you I needed time. You can’t just start making changes without—”

“But we’ve been sitting on this for days, love,” Arnaz interrupted, his frustration seeping through. “I know you’re hesitant, but we need to move forward. This is a good idea. It’ll breathe new life into the bookstore.”

Saliza’s heart raced, the familiar sense of dread rising in her chest. “It’s not about whether it’s a good idea or not. This is my bookstore. My space. You can’t just come in and start deciding what’s best for it!”

Arnaz’s smile faded completely now. “I’m not trying to take it away from you, love. I’m trying to help. I’m part of this too. Or am I just supposed to sit back and watch while you do everything your way?”

“That’s not what I’m saying, Arnaz!” she snapped, her voice louder now. “But you don’t understand what this place means to me. It’s my sanctuary. It’s quiet, and peaceful, and personal. You’re talking about changing everything!”

Arnaz threw his hands up, exasperated. “I’m not changing everything, love. I’m trying to make it better. You’re so stuck in your ways that you can’t see the potential! You’re suffocating the business because you’re afraid of change.”

Saliza felt the words like a slap. Her face flushed with anger. “Stuck in my ways? Afraid of change? Is that what you think? That I’m some rigid, boring person who can’t handle a little excitement?”

Arnaz’s eyes widened, realizing he had crossed a line, but his own frustration wouldn’t let him back down. “That’s not what I meant. But sometimes, yes, it feels like you want everything to stay exactly the same, and that’s just not how life works, love.”

Saliza’s eyes stung with unshed tears, but she refused to let them fall. “You think I don’t know that? I’ve had to fight for everything I have, Arnaz. This bookstore isn’t just a business to me, it’s my life. And you can’t just waltz in here and turn it into something else because you’re bored!”

“I’m not bored!” Arnaz’s voice rose in frustration. “I’m trying to build a future for us, together. You’re the one who’s shutting me out.”

Saliza shook her head, her heart aching. “I’m not shutting you out. But this… this isn’t just about the bookstore. It’s about us. You want to fly, and I need to stay grounded. We’re pulling in different directions, Arnaz.”

Arnaz’s shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of him. “I thought… I thought we could find a middle ground. I love you, Saliza. I want to build something with you.”

Silence filled the space between them. Saliza looked down at the items Arnaz had brought, the coffee beans and plants that suddenly felt like foreign invaders in her safe haven. Her mind was torn between wanting to make him happy and the deep-rooted fear of losing herself in the process.

“I love you too, Arnaz,” she said quietly, her voice barely a whisper. “But I don’t know if I can do this.”

Arnaz stood there, the weight of her words heavy in the air. For the first time since they met, the reality of their differences became painfully clear. They were bound by a connection that neither of them could deny, but even flames could flicker and waver in the wind.

That evening, as a way of bridging the gap between them, Arnaz composed a song for Saliza, titled "Cinta Mentari" ("Love of the Sun"). He knew she loved the sound of his guitar, and he poured his emotions into the melody, hoping to convey what words had failed to.

The next day, Arnaz invited Saliza to listen. He strummed his guitar softly, his voice gentle yet earnest;

Dia Suraya

The rising sun bringing the light I've been waiting for

Dia Pelangi

The beauty of her radiant face colors the eternal world

He looked up, his eyes meeting hers, filled with hope and love;

Oh, Angel

Like the sun shining bright

Bringing light, guiding me to heaven

The melody swelled, and Arnaz's voice carried a tenderness that reached deep into Saliza's heart;

With my eyes, I see

Your light sparkling

With my heart, I admire the beauty of your smile

Cinta Mentari, Cinta Pelangi, Cinta Suraya

Tears glistened in Saliza's eyes as she listened. In that moment, she felt the sincerity of his love and his desire to bridge the gap between them. The song, “Cinta Mentari,” was his way of saying she was the light in his life, the sun that guided him. She understood his restlessness, his desire to build and create, but it still left her torn between wanting to embrace this new venture and holding onto her sense of self.

As the final chords of the song lingered in the air, Arnaz spoke softly, “I love you, Saliza. You are my sun. Wherever you go, I will always follow.”

Saliza smiled, wiping away a tear. “Love you too, Arnaz. And I will always be here, by your side.”

Their differences still stood, but for a moment, they were united by the melody of their love, a fragile balance of wind and earth, bound by a love as constant as the sun.

------------END OF CHAPTER 3 ------------

Dearest Esteemed Readers,

Arnaz and Saliza have lovingly crafted a small Wishing Well just for you.

For every tip you donate into this Wishing Well, you are invited to make one wish.

May your wish be absorbed by the essence of the Twin Flames, and may it bring you the very best in return.

Your generous support will also aid Arnaz and Saliza on their magical journey ahead.

Thank you, kind readers, for being a part of this enchanting tale.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Arnaz and Saliza